Alumnus Working at Virginia Tech Inspired by Campus Response to Recent Tragedy

In a letter to Glenn Nicholls, vice president for student affairs at Case Western Reserve University, an alumnus working at Virginia Tech thanks the campus community for their outreach and the university for preparing him to take a leadership role in the wake of the recent tragedy. At the request of Nicholls, the alumnus agreed to allow Case Daily to share his letter with the campus.

Glenn:

I am not sure that you know this, but I have been working at VT for the past eight years in Student Activities. I was just walking around the student center and came across the message that we received from Case Western Reserve University. To see my alma mater come together and spell out VT was a needed and special moment for me.

I have been working closely with a group called Hokies United, a group that comes together to help the community respond to tragedy. We first brought it together for the 9/11 tragedy, not knowing that we would bring it together for a tragedy of our own. I can say that it has been inspirational to work with this group of student leaders through the response to the tragedy -- what they did during a time of great pain was simply heroic. Just to give you an idea, Hokies United has organized events that have brought more than 50,000 community members together. Our Relay for Life Committee decided to proceed with the Relay last weekend, which ended up raising an astounding $260,000 for cancer research. It has been one of the greatest honors of my career to have worked with such a group of students.

I bring this up because much of our success has been due to those lessons I learned as a student leader at Case Western Reserve University. If I could say anything to the current students at Case Western Reserve, it would be get involved by finding something greater than themselves and making a difference. I would tell them to stretch themselves beyond their various comfort zones, for that is where the learning occurs. Finally, I would tell them to work closely with you and all of the great folks who are there to help make Case Western Reserve a good experience.

I know the academics are tough, but I also know that Case Western Reserve can provide opportunities for growth and development that can prepare students for great things. I never would have thought I would have been at VT in this situation, but I have made my stand with a group of student leaders and we are on our way to healing a campus. Many of the lessons I have used to advise students come from my experiences at Case Western Reserve.

Thank you for all you and your staff do and let the students of Case Western Reserve know that there is a tired Hokie who has taken inspiration from the message they sent.

All my best,
Steve Schneiter (CWR '89)

Campus News

East 105th to Lakeview Avenue: Permanent Lane Closures: The Euclid Corridor Construction Project continues and beginning today, May 1 and for the next three months, traffic between East 105th and East 107th streets will narrow down to one lane in each direction. The north lanes of Euclid Avenue between East 107th and Mayfield Road will close. Two lanes of traffic will be maintained in each direction using the south half of Euclid Avenue. Work also will begin in the north lanes between Mayfield Road and Lakeview Avenue with one lane in each direction maintained on the south side. Call 216-771-4144 for more details.

Mini Med School begins May 2. All sessions in the easily understood, five-part series are led by School of Medicine faculty experts. Get more information and register online or call 216-844-5050.

Join yoga instructor Marcia Camino to unwind, increase flexibility and strength and connect to nature. Wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat, pillow and blanket. Yoga in the Garden sessions meet 5:45-7 p.m., Thursdays beginning May 3 through June 21 in the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Register online or call the Botanical Garden at 216-721-1600 X143 for more information.

For Faculty & Staff

Procurement and Distribution Services reminds employees that requisition and purchase orders for products or services should be initiated before the product is ordered or the service is performed. It is an extremely important step in obtaining goods or services as the execution of contracts and agreements, the budget encumbrance and approvals within Peoplesoft, and the vendor's acceptance of the university's terms and conditions are a critical path in the purchasing process. More details are available online, by phone, 368-2560 or by e-mailing customercareteam-pds@case.edu.

Case Faculty and Staff for Equality is hosting its first happy hour mixer for the Case and Cleveland Clinic LGBT and Friends group from 5-7 this evening at That Place on Bellflower, 11401 Bellflower Drive. RSVP via e-mail.

For Students

Need to brush up on math? Be sure to attend the annual Math Gala Fiesta today from 1-6 p.m. in Thwing Center ballroom. The gala is a five-hour study review for students in the introductory math courses. Food provided. Free.

Events

"Informal Showing" of choreography presented by undergraduate and graduate students in the Dance Program of the Department of Theater and Dance takes place at 5:30 p.m., Friday, May 4 at the Mather Dance Center. Free.

For a list of other events and activities on campus and in the community today, refer to the WebEvent calendar.

May 1, 2007

A daily newsletter published by the Office of Marketing & Communications, Case Western Reserve University. Submit items for inclusion to: case-daily@case.edu.

Case in the News

Newsday.com, May 1, 2007Robert Friedland, professor of neurology at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, talks about his research that shows the importance and benefits of remaining mentally fit throughout one's life.

The Buchtelite, May 1, 2007
Story reports on and ranks Ohio universities, including the University of Akron, Case Western Reserve University and Ohio State University by their ability to turn research into profit.

Crain's Cleveland Business, April 30, 2007 (subscription required)
Story refers to the comments of Case Western Reserve University Professor Scott Shane of the Weatherhead School of Management regarding a Wall Street Journal report on why new enterprises fail.

Philly.com, April 30, 2007
A feature story on Case Western Reserve University alumnus Patrick C. Walsh (ADL '60; MED '64), University Distinguished Service Professor of Urology Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions, on the anniversary of his pioneering work in prostate cancer and the landmark surgery he performed.

Higher Ed News

The Chronicle of Higher Education, May 1, 2007 (subscription required)
The U.S. Department of Education is preparing to let lenders resume their access to a federal database containing information on millions of student borrowers, after shutting it down out of concern over potential abuses.